WR Brian Hartline might be only keeper among pending key free agents

Free agency goes from theory to reality this week, and that means it might be time for the Dolphins to part with some key players.

You know that saying about insanity, it’s doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.

Well, consider this point of view: If the Dolphins bring back all of their key free agents from a team that has had four consecutive losing seasons and hasn’t made big plays, they’re showing signs of insanity.

Even if these key free agents offer to return at what the players might consider a reasonable salary -- for argument’s sake, let’s say Bush would return for $4 million a year, Hartline for $5 million, Smith for $7 million, and Long for $8 million – the team probably doesn’t improve.

We know this much, the past few years have proved Miami’s playmakers aren’t good enough to get them to the playoffs. Cost-effective salaries won’t change that, it only makes them more affordable. That’s why it’s time to shake things up, change the roster at key positions.

The Dolphins wisely put the franchise player tag on defensive tackle Randy Starks today, assuring him at least $8.45 million this season, so that takes care of one big decision.

The deadline for issuing the franchise player tag is 4 p.m. today. Players can begin talking to other teams on Saturday and sign with other teams a week from Tuesday (March 12).

Among the Dolphins’ key free agents, Smith, Long and Bush are probably the ones that have to go. Remember, the Dolphins said they want to acquire playmakers this off-season.

Smith, a quality player, doesn’t have playmaker numbers (five interceptions, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery in four seasons) and he could be asking to be paid in the playmaker range. He stabilizes the secondary and his presence maintains continuity. But again, he’s not a playmaker at a playmaking position. He doesn’t shut down a side of the field and doesn’t produce turnovers. For $6 million, I’d keep Smith. For $7 million or more, I’d let him go.

Regarding Long, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, the question is whether his body is breaking down. If you think that’s the case, flip right tackle Jonathan Martin to the left side and start looking for a right tackle. You could spend Long’s money elsewhere. If Long wants to return at $7 million, a price that would likely be considered an insult, you keep him. Any more, let him go.

Hartline’s situation gets into cost effectiveness and what he wants to accept. He’s probably a legit No. 2 wide receiver, and $5 million would be fair. However, he’s only produced six touchdowns in four seasons. Those aren’t playmaker numbers.

If the Dolphins sign a free agent as their No. 1 wide receiver (let’s say Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace or Green Bay’s Greg Jennings) and then draft someone in the second or third round who develops into their No. 2 wide receiver, Hartline might be in position to be cut after the season. He’d be an expensive No. 3 option (or No. 4 if you consider slot receiver Davone Bess the No. 3 option). I’d be more comfortable giving Hartline $4 million. However, both sides would probably be happy at $5 million a year. Keep him.

Bush is the toughest. He might have the least amount of leverage because of low-priced backup Lamar Miller, but he’s got the best play-making track record.

Undoubtedly, Bush has been among Miami’s most effective players the last two seasons. He’s rushed for almost 2,000 yards and produced 12 touchdowns and made memorable runs.

Still, Miami has had two losing seasons. So how much of a difference-maker has he been? I’d probably keep him at $3 million but let him go at $4 million.

Obviously these are big decisions for Miami.

But in the past two seasons the Dolphins have changed their head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and quarterback.